Breanna Stewart, 21, is the youngest U.S. basketball player at the Rio Olympics. A star rookie for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the most acclaimed female college player in history after winning four NCAA titles at UConn, Stewart will be writing about her Olympic experiences for USA TODAY Sports. The diaries, prepared with the assistance of contributor Wayne Coffey, will appear periodically throughout the Games.

Eight years ago, as a 14-year-old in North Syracuse, N.Y., I was glued to the TV set, watching the U.S. basketball teams — men and women — win gold in Beijing. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be an Olympian.

Now I'm starting to get the idea.

Being a part of opening ceremony on Friday night was surreal. We got to meet Michael Phelps and Serena Williams. Walking through the tunnel into the stadium, 550 athletes strong in our blue blazers and white pants, you heard this massive roar go up when they announced United States of America, and it was one of the greatest rushes I ever felt. I could’ve played a basketball game right there in my red, white and blue boat shoes — that’s how pumped up I was.

Even the flight down to Rio was fun. The men’s and women’s teams were together and though many of us have been around each other individually at one point or another, the flight was the first chance we’ve had to hang out as full teams. Sue Bird was next to me and Diana Taurasi was behind me and KD (Kevin Durant) was a few seats away. He’s such a down-to-earth guy. It’s cool to see how he handles his fame. You’d never know he’s one of the most well-known athletes in the world.

Some people played cards and others read or watched movies. We listened to lots of music (Sue is always the DJ). I hung out with everyone, ate and mingled, and actually got four or five hours of sleep. Oh yeah, and our flight attendants were amazing. So they deserve a shout out, too.

You might’ve heard we are all staying on a cruise ship. I’ve never been on one of these things before. It’s great, with a pool and every amenity you can think of — a whole self-contained world. After our practice Saturday morning, we took advantage of the free time to sit poolside, relax and get some sun.

I’ve heard stories about major traffic tie-ups in Rio, but fortunately, we haven’t had any issues getting around. Every time we get on our bus, we have eight motorcycle cops escorting us. They literally stop traffic so our bus can get through. It's like the sea parting. It gives me a little insight into what it must be like to be a head-of-state.

The escorts worked their magic coming back from Saturday morning’s practice. We had a really good session. The chemistry is coming together. Just about all of the other teams at the Olympics have been together for years, and we’ve barely been together a couple of weeks so we are taking advantage of every minute together.

Men's Team, Preliminary Round, Group A

Women's Team, Preliminary Round, Group B

Men's Team, Preliminary Round, Group B

We play our first game on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. against Senegal. If I’ve learned anything from the Olympic veterans, it is that this is a very short tournament and you can take nothing for granted. Sure, the U.S. has won the last five gold medals and 41 straight games, but we also know that we are everybody’s biggest game. There’s not a country in the world that doesn’t want to knock off Team USA. We have a huge target on our backs and we’ll be ready.

I’m not sure what our schedule will be like as the games get going, or if we’ll be able to go to other events. I'm hoping to, but being prepared for our games comes first. If I had to pick just one, one athlete I’d still really love to meet is Usain Bolt. If it happens, I’ll grab a pic for you, challenge him to a shooting contest, or a game of HORSE, but definitely not a sprint.

United States center DeAndre Jordan (6) and United States forward Jimmy Butler (4) celebrates after beating China in the men's basketball group A preliminary round during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

United States center DeAndre Jordan (6) reaches for the ball over China center Yuchen Zou (14) and Muhao Li (13) during the preliminary round of the me's basketball in the Rio2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. USA TODAY Sports

United States guard Kyrie Irving (10) runs to the court before the game against China in the men's basketball group A preliminary round during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Australia point guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) drives to the basket against France center Rudy Gobert (16) during the second half in the men's basketball group A preliminary round during the during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Kalisz of the United States looks at his time after his the men's 400 meter individual heats during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Erich Schlegel, USA TODAY Sports

Luca Cupido of the United States holds the ball against Luka Loncar of Croatia during a men's preliminary round water polo match in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports